QHS student holds baseball clinic

Michael J. Henry

Special to Feather Publishing

5/1/2013

Jake Hatzell gets warmed up during the baseball clinic for Little League players he organized for his senior project at Feather River College on April 21. The clinic proved a success with 48 Little League players participating. Photo submitted

On what was the most beautiful day of the year, Jake Hatzell finished out his Quincy High School senior project in fine fashion.Hatzell decided to direct his project at giving back to the community through his passion for baseball.

In a full group coordination, Hatzell enlisted the help of a fellow Quincy High player and coach, members of the Feather River College baseball staff and a dozen FRC players.On Sunday, April 21, 48 Little League players arrived at the field to be mentored and coached by the group Hatzell assembled.

Six stations were set up, with each station focusing on a certain aspect of the game.There were areas for pitching, catching, fielding ground balls, fielding pop flies, base running and hitting.Hatzell had the 48 players divide into six groups: one group per station.

At each station there stood two to three FRC players who took the time to work with each of the kids, providing individual attention by focusing on improving each aspect of the youngsters’ game.It soon became clear that this was turning into much more than just a senior project.

It was a subtle reminder of how a community can come together for a day at the park, a day when teenagers put aside other things they could be doing to give a young person their undivided attention.

In a conversation with Feather River College’s head coach Terry Baumgartner, the question came up about why he and his team were so quick to be a part of Hatzell’s senior project.

“It is very important for our FRC baseball players to help out in the community,” Baumgartner responded. “My coaching staff and I feel our players need to give something back to this great community that supports our baseball program so well every year.”

Baumgartner went on to describe the reasons he and his team were so eager to jump on board with Hatzell’s project.

“These community service activities give our players the opportunity to feel good in regards to helping out the kids in our community. It also helps our players realize that these kids in Quincy and the surrounding towns look up to our players and get excited to see them at these type of events.”

Through his senior project efforts, Hatzell was able to bring the community together for a great time those 48 players and their parents won’t soon forget.Thank you, Jake, for the reminder, and good luck with your baseball career.